by You’ve been craving a hot bowl of ramen but aren’t sure where to start. Maybe you’re vegetarian, vegan, or avoiding gluten. Don’t worry, there are options for you too. This blog post is your guide to making delicious homemade Healthy Ramen Recipes in whatever style suits you best.
Whether you want a spicy miso ramen, a creamy coconut curry ramen, or a classic shoyu ramen made with gluten-free tamari, we’ve got you covered. These recipes are easy to make, budget-friendly, and will satisfy your ramen craving without compromising your diet.
Forget the instant ramen packets – with a few simple ingredients, you can make an authentic-tasting bowl of ramen right at home. So grab your chopsticks, fire up the stove, and dive into a steaming bowl of homemade ramen. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try making it yourself sooner. Let’s get cooking!
Intro to Ramen: A Quick History
Ramen has a long history spanning over 100 years. Originally from China, ramen made its way to Japan in the early 1900s. After WWII, ramen gained popularity in Japan as a delicious, filling meal. Today, ramen comes in many varieties. The four main types are:
- Shoyu (soy-sauce based)
- Shio (salt-based)
- Miso (fermented soybean paste)
- Tonkotsu (pork bone broth)
Within these categories, you’ll find options for vegetarians, vegans, and those avoiding gluten. For vegetarians, look for broths made from mushrooms, seaweed or vegetables. Vegans can choose a broth made from dried shiitake mushrooms, kombu seaweed or vegetable stock. And for gluten-free, choose ramen made with 100% buckwheat or rice noodles and tamari in place of soy sauce.
Whether you prefer your ramen mild or spicy, thick or thin, there’s a perfect bowl for you. Ramen restaurants and food trucks are popping up all over, but making your own ramen at home is easy and fun. With some broth, noodles, veggies and your favorite sauces and seasonings, you can create a delicious, customized bowl of ramen in no time.
Vegetarian Miso Ramen:
For a hearty yet meat-free ramen, try this vegetarian miso version.
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup miso paste
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz extra-firm tofu, cubed
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 servings ramen or udon noodles
- Toasted nori strips, bean sprouts and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Use a pot, cook the broth.. Whisk in the miso paste, ginger and garlic. Add the tofu, mushrooms and carrots; simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to package directions; drain. Divide among serving bowls and top with the broth and vegetables.
- Whisk the green onions, soy sauce, vinegar and sesame oil in a small bowl. Drizzle over the ramen.
- Mix the cornstarch with 1 tbsp water. Whisk into the simmering broth until thickened. Pour over the ramen.
- Garnish with nori strips, sprouts and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your vegetarian ramen!
Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen:
To make a vegan version of tonkotsu ramen, start with a rich vegan broth base. Sauté garlic, ginger and shallots, then add vegetable stock, soy sauce or tamari and chili oil. To enhance the flavour, simmering for at least 30 minutes. You can also add dried mushrooms, miso paste or nutritional yeast for more umami. For the noodles, use gluten-free ramen or udon noodles. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
Add cubed extra-firm tofu, sliced mushrooms, bok choy, bean sprouts or other veggies of your choice. Top it off with sliced scallions or chopped cilantro. To serve, place the cooked noodles in a bowl and cover with the flavorful vegan broth.
Add your favorite toppings like the extra-firm tofu, mushrooms and bok choy. You can also add chili garlic sauce, sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for some crunch. Your homemade vegan tonkotsu ramen is comforting, delicious and completely meat and dairy-free. Enjoy!
Vegan Ramen with Kimchi:
- To make a hearty vegan ramen, start with a vegetable broth as your base. Add diced onions, garlic, ginger and mushrooms for extra flavor. For some heat, add a splash of chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
- Bring 4 to 6 cups of broth to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Add udon or ramen noodles and cook until al dente, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Drain, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
- Add the broth, noodles, and your choice of veggies like bok choy, bell peppers or green onions. Add some kimchi, a fiery Korean cabbage pickle, on top. Kimchi adds a nice kick of flavor and texture. You can also add diced or sliced tofu for protein.
- Garnish your bowl with sesame seeds, scallions and nori seaweed strips. Have soy sauce, chili oil, rice vinegar or lime wedges on the side so people can customize the flavor to their taste.
This vegan ramen is satisfying and packed with flavor from the umami-rich broth and spices. The kimchi provides a perfect fermented tang. Your taste buds will surely thank you – and your vegan and gluten-free friends will rejoice at this plant-based take on a comfort food classic.
Gluten-Free Ramen:
For gluten-free ramen, use 100% buckwheat soba noodles or rice noodles in place of wheat noodles. Buckwheat soba noodles contain no gluten and have an earthy, nutty flavor that pairs well in ramen. Rice noodles are also gluten-free, translucent noodles that readily absorb broth.
- Make a dashi broth using kombu seaweed, shiitake mushrooms, and gluten-free tamari soy sauce. Simmer the broth for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Add extra vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, baby corn, and bean sprouts for bulk and nutrition.
- Top your bowl with ingredients like scallions, nori seaweed strips, sesame seeds, chili oil, and bean sprouts for garnish.
- Silken or soft tofu can be added for protein. Look for gluten-free tofu to avoid cross-contamination.
- Corn, peas and diced potatoes are starchy vegetables you can add for heartiness.
Gluten-free ramen may require some experimentation to achieve the perfect blend of flavors and textures you enjoy. The key is using naturally gluten-free ingredients and avoiding wheat, barley and rye. With some creativity, you can make a delicious gluten-free ramen to satisfy your craving.
Calories, Fat and Proteins:
| Ramen Variation | Calories (per serving) | Fat (per serving) (g) | Protein (per serving) (g) |
| Vegetarian Miso Ramen | 350-450 calories | 10-15 g | 10-15 g |
| Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen | 400-500 calories | 10-15 g | 10-15 g |
| Gluten-Free Ramen | 300-400 calories | 5-10 g | 5-10 g |
| Vegan Ramen with Kimchi | 350-450 calories | 10-15 g | 10-15 g |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Healthy Ramen Recipes:
Is ramen halal or haram?
Ramen is a popular Japanese dish of wheat noodles in broth, often served with meat or vegetables. For those following a halal or haram diet, the ingredients and preparation of ramen become an important consideration.
Broth and noodles:
The broth and noodles themselves are typically halal, made from vegetables, seaweed, soy or miso. However, some commercial ramen broths or toppings may contain haram ingredients like pork or alcohol, so check the ingredients. Homemade or vegetarian ramen is a safer option. Rice, soba or udon noodles can be used in place of ramen noodles.
Protein sources:
For a halal Ramen Recipes, use beef, chicken, tofu or vegetables as the protein. Fried or soft tofu, known as ‘age’ or ‘kinugoshi’ tofu respectively, are popular meat alternatives. Diced cooked beef, chicken or mushrooms also work well. For a vegan ramen, extra firm tofu, cooked mushrooms, beansprouts or steamed bok choy make hearty additions.
Garnishes:
Common halal garnishes include scallions or green onions, nori seaweed strips, menma or braised bamboo shoots, corn and bean sprouts. Spicy chili oil, fried garlic, and sesame seeds add lots of flavor without the haram ingredients. For extra nutrition, a soft boiled or poached egg is a perfect halal topping.
With some modifications and by carefully checking ingredients, ramen can absolutely be made halal or haram-friendly. Homemade or vegetarian versions are easy, delicious options for people of all diets to enjoy. Focusing on fresh whole ingredients, broths, noodles and toppings that you know and trust is the key to a halal bowl of ramen.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size. Ramen Recipes often have variations in their ingredients, which can impact their nutritional content. Always check the specific nutritional information provided by the restaurant or brand for precise details.
Is ramen Korean or Japanese?
Ramen originated in Japan, not Korea. Ramen is a Japanese dish of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso. Although ramen has become popular in Korea, and some variations have developed, ramen is undoubtedly a Japanese creation.
The word “ramen” comes from the Chinese word “lamian”, which refers to hand-pulled noodles. Ramen was introduced to Japan in the early 1900s by Chinese immigrants. However, the dish was adapted to Japanese tastes and spread throughout the country.
Ramen has become one of Japan’s most well-liked foods. There are many variations, from the tonkotsu ramen of Kyushu to the miso ramen of Hokkaido. While Korean budae jjigae, a stew made with ramen noodles, kimchi, and spam, has become popular, ramen remains an iconic Japanese comfort food.
So while ramen may be enjoyed throughout Asia, its origins are unmistakably Japanese. No trip to Japan is complete without slurping a bowl of steaming hot ramen! Whether you prefer a hearty tonkotsu, a zesty miso, or a spicy kimchi-flavored ramen, you’ll find a flavor to suit your tastes in Japan, the birthplace of this soul-satisfying dish.
Is ramen unhealthy or healthy?
Ramen Recipes can be part of a healthy diet, but it really depends on the ingredients and portion sizes. Traditional ramen usually contains:
Noodles: Ramen noodles themselves are not unhealthy, especially if you choose whole wheat. However, they are high in carbohydrates, so keep portions in moderation.
Broth: The broth is usually the healthiest part, made from bone or vegetable stock. It provides lots of flavor without a lot of calories.
Protein: Common toppings like chashu pork, boiled eggs, or tofu provide protein. A single serving of chashu pork can have up to 200 calories and high amounts of saturated fat, so watch your portion sizes.
Vegetables: Fresh or pickled veggies such as cabbage, bean sprouts, green onions or corn provide extra nutrition, fiber, and flavor without a lot of calories. Load up on the veggies!
Oils and sauces: Extra oils, sauces and tare can ramp up the calories and sodium. Many recipes call for sesame or chili oil which are high in fat and sodium. Use sparingly.
As with many foods, Ramen Recipes can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. The keys are choosing wholesome, fresh ingredients, watching your portion sizes, and balancing it with nutritious sides like extra veggies. Making your own ramen at home also allows you to control what goes into it and cater it to your dietary needs. With the right ingredients and in proper moderation, ramen can be a delicious, guilt-free comfort food.
Why are noodles called ramen?
Ramen noodles are called ramen because they originate from Chinese lamian noodles. Ramen was introduced to Japan in the early 1900s by Chinese immigrants. The Japanese adapted the Chinese lamian noodles to their own tastes, using Japanese broths like tonkotsu (pork bone broth) and shoyu (soy sauce broth) instead of the Chinese broths.
The word “ramen” itself is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters for “lamian.” Over time, the dish became popular in Japan and ramen became the word used to describe the Japanese version of the Chinese noodle soup. Today, ramen refers to the uniquely Japanese noodle soup, while lamian or la mian continue to refer to Chinese noodle soups. Some well-known varieties of ramen include:
# Tonkotsu Ramen Recipes – thick pork bone broth, curly noodles
# Shoyu Ramen Recipes – clear broth made of soy sauce, curly noodles
# Miso Ramen Recipes – broth flavored with fermented miso paste, curly or straight noodles
# Shio Ramen Recipes – light, clear broth seasoned with salt, curly noodles
# Tantanmen Ramen Recipes – spicy sesame-flavored broth, curly noodles
So while ramen noodles may have originally come from China, the dish we now know as ramen is quintessentially Japanese. No matter which variety you prefer, ramen remains a delicious and popular noodle soup.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, some delicious ramen recipes that cater to various dietary needs. Whether you want to go meat-free, dairy-free or gluten-free, you can now make tasty homemade ramen that suits your tastes.
- Ramen is such a versatile dish that you can customize the broth and toppings to create your perfect bowl.
- Next time you’re craving a hot bowl of ramen, give one of these recipes a try.
- Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be slurping up noodles in no time.
- What are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy!
